Blake
-You've been locked up for hours. You haven't left this office lately.
Anthony walks into my office carrying two coffees. I'm not in the mood for more caffeine, but having Anthony taking up a seat in front of my desk represents an opportunity to hear from her. I haven't seen her for a month. Thirty insufferable days. I gratefully accept a drink that makes me sick to my stomach just smelling it. The man stretches with a superiority that kicks me in the balls. I find myself so annoyed that I would drag him out as well as everyone else who has tried to cheer me up with their knowing smiles in recent weeks.
-You look bad. Two days ago they saw you get into a car with Dana. They said you looked drunk.
And I was. So much so that I don't remember what I did. All I know is that I woke up with my red hair sprawled beside me. I stick my nose in the coffee that makes me gag.
-People talk without knowing. I will not deny anything.
Moodily dodging Anthony is the best I can think of.
-You know, you're a jerk, a jerk and a prick.
-You've been repeating yourself for a month. I see you're still not at ease.
I take a sip so as not to break her face and soothe my broken nerves. I spend my nights drowning in alcohol the loneliness of not having her.
-Not quite. But I don't want to waste your time.
-How kind of you.
-You love her," he says, drinking from his cup, "that's why I didn't kill you.
-How is she feeling? When she was here I noticed she was thinner. You have to see that she's fed. Sometimes she forgets the hours.
-It's fine. You could even say, very good.
-What does that mean?
-He has a different glow. Maybe he's met someone?
The bastard is smiling.
-Go away. I am busy.
-Are you going to go looking for her or are you going to give up?
-I'm looking for a reason not to punch you and wipe off your stupid grin.
-I'll give it to you, her name is Sofia.
I press my fingers against the desk. He's right, my reason for not killing him is called Sofia.
-What the fuck do you want?
-Look how quickly they learn to insult Americans.
-He loves you and wonders if you feel the same way.
-Did he tell you?
-Between her and me there is no need for words. I know her too well.
My shoulders tighten as hard as my jaw. Jealousy of her perfect friendship gets the better of me. I need to be with her to calm this madness I can't control.
-I've already told you why I'm not looking for her.
- You did well.
-I'm not a dick anymore?
The naughty little smile dances back and forth on his face. Anthony is a loyal bastard. He adores his friend and that obliges me to respect him.
-So, are you going back to her?
-I'm giving you time.
- So... Sorry," he says, taking his cell phone out of his pocket, which keeps vibrating, "I have to take this.
Sofi, honey, what's wrong, you're scaring me..." Anthony raises his voice for me to hear. Something is not right. Anthony's face loses color. I'm on my way. It's all right.
-What's wrong? -I can't wait for her to cut. The icy cold runs through my body. Is it Sofia? Is she all right? Speak!
-It's Elvira," he says, walking quickly to the door. Elvira is...
-I know perfectly well who Elvira is.
-She has been kidnapped.
-What!
-I'm not sure. I was crying so hard I didn't understand anything. I'm going home," she says, running down the hall.
-I'm coming with you!
Anthony turns and I bump into his back.
-Are you sure?
-I am. The rest time is over. She needs me.
Anthony slaps me on the back.
-Let's go in your car," he says as I press the button to the subway.
-The elevator is too slow. Damn, we should have taken the stairs. Elvira is someone very important to her. She must be in pain. Fuck! -I squeal impatiently for a second before the elevator opens its doors and we both run out.
-He is not here.
Tears flood his face as he hugs Anthony. My hands itch to push his friend away and take his place.
-Sofia. I speak behind Anthony looking for his attention. His grief does not allow him to see me.
-?
She doesn't recognize me when she throws herself into my arms. I wrap her with the desperation of a castaway. The tremors come and go. I hold her tighter. Her unique essence drives my senses wild. Trembling hands cling to my waist. Unable to contain myself I press my lips to her hair. This month without her has been a torment. None is like her.
-I can't lose her. She's all I have left.
-What happened?
-They've taken her away. , I can't lose her. I can't...
-You won't, honey.
I embrace her without knowing if I give her color or she gives me life. Maybe it is both. Our love is the kind that runs in our blood.